A week in the life of a Spa Health Writer

Well, I have had another fun, but busy week in "Spa World." I have lots to blog about, all of which I will bring you more specific and fun details in the next few days, but here's a snapshot of this past week ...

Last Saturday my day started off with a photoshoot at S'Bia -- Santa Barbara Institute of Aesthetics. S'Bia is a clinic specializing in medical aesthetic treatments -- and they are a new Spa Defined member! Look for their information to be added to Spa Defined very soon!

Saturday afternoon, I got through the crowds from the SB Film Festival and mosied on down to Michele Wilder -- a new Nail Boutique and Salon. I was there for a spa review -- I got a little tour of the adorable boutique, then got a lovely pedicure. I will blog about the delicious details in the next day or so...look for that! And ... Michele Wilder will also be a new member of Spa Defined and is our first Nail Boutique on the website, so I am very excited about that!

Sunday I attended a spa educational seminar at Skin Essentials in Montecito with one of my best gal pals and esthesista -- Monica Urias. The seminar was presented by Dr. Elkin who spoke about hormonal balancing and anti-aging -- it was very informative. And yes... Iwill blog about what I learned soon!

On Monday I started my new teaching position ... and yes it is spa related! I am the new adjunct faculty member at SBCC teaching the evening esthetician class Monday-Thursdays. I have a class of 18 wonderful women and I look forward to blogging about my experiences in the classroom -- I am a bit overwhelmed, but having a great time teaching esthetics. ... More funny stories to come, I'm certain!

Also, I am excited to be the new associate publisher for Health and Beauty Magazine of Santa Barbara -- this is basically a print version of Spa Defined -- so exciting!! I had meetings throughout the week with Cade Carper, my publisher -- super dooper nice fella and also meetings with spas and salons about getting exposure in the magazine. Last week and this week I met with: ZenSpa, Evolutions, Skin Essentials, Skin Resolutions, Peaches, Montecito Bodyworks, SB Bodyworks, S'Bia ... and many others -- wow! Those meetings will continue the next couple of weeks because our deadline is mid March and this is an annual magazine so it won't be printed again until next year!

Today I worked at S'Bia doing patient coordinating and marketing (newsletter, website content, etc). I love working there a few days a week because I love the ladies that work there -- they are all dolls! ... and it gives me a chance to actually "work" in the spa setting.

I can't wait to share more details with you ...!

Everything is related to Hormones ... isn't it?

My boobs shrink, I get one chin hair...then two ... melasma ... And I'm told a lot of this is hormone-related. I'm beginning to think everything is related to hormones...I'll be attending this workshop for sure...

HEARTWISE
FITNESS & LONGEVITY CENTER
Dr. Elkin, a renowned expert in treating issues relating to
hormonal imbalance, weight loss, anti-aging and spiritual wellbeing
for men and women, has combined his expertise with the
staff at Skin Essentials.
Come to meet & greet
Dr. Howard Elkin and
Kristine Reyes C.N.C (Certified Nutritional Counselor)
on Sunday, January 27
2 to 4 p.m. at Skin Essentials.
An informal presentation, followed by a question and answer session, on the
patio of Pane E Vino Restaurant.
• Food
• Gift bags
Seating is limited so RSVP as soon as possible 695-8699
See you there! ~ Julie Phillips

Creative Advertising & Bra-Fitting

Spa Defined prides itself on being affordable advertising, targeting a very specific audience all the while remaining a "boutique" website and the only spa directory in Santa Barbara. Spa Defined recently partnered with Health and Beauty Magazine and I was named Associate Publisher! This is another advertising tool that is specific to the spa industry and gaining potential spa clients as well as informing readers about spa health through mentions and short write-ups.

Today I visited Audrey at ZenSpa (after being in the rain this morning -- it was so cozy to walk into her calm, zen environment). She is a Spa Defined member and will also be listed in the Health and Beauty Directory. Miss Kitty from Purrmission Lingerie Boutique, located just down the street, was also visiting (I think I want my new office to be on Calle Laureles so I can go and visit Purrmission and ZenSpa!). We chatted about each of our marketing and advertising strategies -- what works, what doesn't, how expensive advertising is. Bottom line is, you have to be creative in advertising, otherwise your campaign gets lost in the hundreds of other ads.

Speaking of creative advertising, Miss Kitty shared her most recent advertising strategy -- you may want to read about it on her Kitty in the City blog soon, but let's just say she's going public with bra fittings downtown Santa Barbara! Now here is a woman who is passionate about making sure every woman is wearing the right-sized bra! (I have to admit, she really is good at fitting!!).

After our Calle Laureles pow-wow on marketing and bra talk, I walked up the street to visit Purrmission to check out the Valentines Day goods -- so many fun things! An older gentleman walked into Purrmission carrying his umbrella. Miss Kitty, with a friendly, fun tone said, "Is that an umbrella or a sex toy you have there." He seemed to be tickled by this comment and I was also amused by her sense of humor, red-hair character and made a mental note to return soon to shop!

Spa Night at Le Reve

You are Cordially Invited to...
Spa Night At Le Reve
DATE: Thursday, January 24th
TIME: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Le Reve

DETAILS: Just a reminder we are hoping to have a full house this coming Thursday. The evening will start out with champagne and chocolates by Jessica Foster, followed by Complimentary: 10 minute Reflexology treatments, Make-up Application (come with a fresh face), Be the first to experience our new, amazing Galvanic System that will conquer any lines and wrinkles,Relaxing Hand and Foot Massages,andthe opportunity to see and purchase Erik Wszulkowski's exquisite jewelry line (she will be donating 30% of proceeds to Angelslist.org)We will look forward to seeing you, plan on having a fun night!

6:30 - 8:30 this Thursday
Le Reve Aromatherapy Spa & Boutique
21 West Gutierrez St.
Santa Barbara, California 93101
805-564-2977

Amazing Opportunity for Manicurist!

Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique is offering a fantastic opportunity for licensed manicurists who are ready to take their knowledge and experience to the next level. They are looking for individuals who are motivated, energetic, and have the ability to maintain a steady clientele. In return they are offering 70% commission on all treatments performed and/or majority ownership of the nail business. The hard work has all been taken care of - great location, build out, set-up, products, equipment, supplies and marketing materials.

About Michele Wilder Nail Lounge & Boutique:
From the scent of organic oils and herbs to the sound of falling water, the elegantly appointed details surround you and transport you to a realm of peace and tranquility. Developed to keep luxury and nature in mind, they hold themselves to a higher standard in carefully choosing products for you that maximize all that Mother Nature has to offer. All treatments are performed using large copper basins, custom blended all-natural and organic products, disposable files, and non-toxic nail elixirs and polishes.
And don’t forget to shop their amazing boutique featuring women’s apparel, footwear and accessories.

If you are interested in this amazing opportunity please call (805) 966-6848

Massage Schools in Santa Barbara

I received an email today from a woman who is moving to Santa Barbara to attend Massage Therapy School and she wanted feedback on the differences and strengths of each program.

The three massage therapy schools in SB are: Santa Barbara Bodyworks, Santa Barbara Body Therapy Institute and Santa Barbara Business College Wellness program.

I attended esthetician school, not massage therapy school so I can't speak from a student perspective. However, I have received massages at the new Santa Barbara Business College on Chapala and am quite impressed with their facilities, student massage interns and the instructors. In fact, I was just there this past Saturday and had an amazing, relaxing massage by Athena -- thank you Athena! Also my friend Maggie who I met in esthetician school, is also a massage therapist and she attended Santa Barbara Bodyworks and had a good experience.

Does anyone have any input on these schools -- differences or strengths? Thanks for your input!